HEAVEN KNOWS - TAYLOR HICKS
Production by Matt Serletic, A-level songwriters, live jam band and a melody line from Marvin Gaye’s 1965 “Ain’t That Peculiar.” On paper, 2006 “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks’ follow-up to adult top 40 top 20 “Just to Feel That Way” sounds triumphant. But a Southern rock delivery could be a deterrent to contemporary radio. If anything, yokel “Heaven Knows” harks back to mid-’70s classic rock. The song is truly tailored to Hicks’ intrinsic vocal style — and therein may lie a fatal flaw with programmers. As this season of “A.I.” peaks, the question looms: Despite 25 million consistent TV viewers, does FM radio regard “A.I.” winners with respect the morning (or season) after? Billboard
